How will the law be enforced?
Failure to comply with the law will be a criminal offence, as set out in the Health Act 2006. Penalties and fines are being set in regulations to be made by the Department of Health; Individuals may be liable to a fixed penalty of £50 for smoking in smoke – free premises. In cases of prosecution and conviction, the maximum fine is £200. The manager or person in control of any smoke – free premises could be fined a fixed penalty of £200 for failing to display ‘No smoking’ signs. In cases of prosecution and conviction, the maximum fine is £1000. The manager or person in control of any smoke free premises could be fined up to £2500 for failing to prevent others from smoking in those premises. Authorised officers within each local authority will enforce the new law.
